Tag Archives: Lighting

The Importance of Tent Canopy Lighting

As event lighting specialists at The Lighting & Sound Company, we understand the pivotal role that lighting plays in transforming any space into a captivating and immersive environment. Among the many elements that contribute to creating the perfect ambiance, tent canopy lighting wash stands out as a key method in enhancing the atmosphere and setting the mood for any occasion.

Setting the Stage: Tent Canopy Lighting Wash

Tent canopy lighting wash refers to the placement of battery operated lighting fixtures on tent poles to cast a soft, even glow over the ceiling or canopy of an outdoor tent. This technique not only provides functional illumination but also adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any event, whether it’s a wedding reception, corporate gala, or outdoor concert.

Photo Credit: Birds of a Feather Photography

Embracing Innovation: Battery Fixtures and CRMX Control

At The Lighting & Sound Company, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of technological innovation to deliver unparalleled lighting solutions to our clients. One of the innovations that have revolutionized the way we approach tent canopy lighting is the use of battery-powered fixtures combined with CRMX control. After countless successful events, we’ll only use Astera fixtures moving forward.

Battery-powered fixtures offer several advantages, chief among them being the ability to minimize visible cabling, ensuring a clean and uncluttered aesthetic for the event space. This is particularly crucial for outdoor events where running cables can be impractical or visually distracting. By eliminating the need for extensive cabling, battery fixtures allow for greater flexibility in positioning and configuring lighting elements, enabling us to achieve precisely the desired ambiance without compromising on aesthetics.

CRMX, or Wireless DMX, takes this innovation a step further by providing reliable and robust wireless control over the lighting fixtures. Unlike Bluetooth or other 2.4GHz wireless technologies commonly used in most battery uplights, CRMX offers superior performance and stability, making it the preferred choice for professional lighting applications.

Photo Credit: Lisa Blume Photography

The Superiority of CRMX

CRMX operates in the 2.4GHz frequency band, similar to Bluetooth and other wireless technologies. However, what sets it apart is its advanced frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) technology, which ensures interference-free communication even in crowded RF environments.

Furthermore, CRMX offers enhanced security features, such as encryption and authentication, to protect against unauthorized access and interference. This level of security is crucial, especially for high-profile events where privacy and data integrity are paramount concerns.

In addition to its reliability and security, CRMX also boasts exceptional range and coverage, allowing us to control lighting fixtures across large event spaces with ease. Whether it’s a sprawling outdoor venue or a multi-level indoor space, CRMX provides the flexibility and scalability to meet the demands of any event.

Photo Credit: Rachel May Photography

Tent canopy lighting wash is more than just functional illumination; it’s an art form that sets the stage for unforgettable experiences. By harnessing the power of battery-powered fixtures and CRMX control, we’re able to elevate the ambiance of any event space, creating magical moments that leave a lasting impression on guests.

At The Lighting & Sound Company, we’re dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with lighting design, embracing innovation to deliver exceptional results every time. Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, or outdoor festival, trust us to illuminate your vision and bring it to life with unparalleled creativity and expertise.

Illuminating Elegance: Introducing the Cecilia 8-Light Chandelier

We take great pride in curating an exceptional collection of lighting fixtures that elevate and transform any event space. Today, we are thrilled to introduce a dazzling addition to our repertoire—the Cecilia 8-Light Chandelier. This exquisite chandelier not only brings a touch of old Hollywood glamour but also adds a timeless elegance to any occasion. Check it out in our catalog!

The Classic Charm of Cecilia

The Cecilia 8-Light Chandelier boasts a classic shape that pays homage to the golden era of Hollywood. Its design is a nod to the sophistication and grace that defined that era, making it an ideal choice for events that seek to capture the essence of vintage glamour.

Artisan Craftsmanship: A Closer Look

One of the standout features of the Cecilia chandelier is its artisan loomed hourglass silhouette, meticulously crafted for eye-catching elegance. Each chandelier is a masterpiece in itself, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship that goes into creating this stunning piece.

The honey-toned, Patinaed Brass band that encircles the chandelier adds a warm and luxurious touch. This detail not only enhances the overall aesthetic but also ensures that the Cecilia seamlessly blends into a variety of event themes and color schemes.

Natural Rope Elegance

The material used for the hourglass silhouette is none other than natural rope. Which not only adds a unique and rustic element but also brings a sense of organic warmth to the ambiance. The combination of the Patinaed Brass band and the natural rope creates a visually striking contrast. This makes the Cecilia a statement piece that draws attention and admiration.

Versatile Elegance for Every Occasion

Whether you’re planning a wedding, a corporate event, or a social gathering, the Cecilia 8-Light Chandelier is a versatile choice that adapts effortlessly to various settings. Its timeless design ensures that it remains a centerpiece, captivating guests and creating a memorable atmosphere.

Illuminate Your Events with the Cecilia

In conclusion, the Cecilia 8-Light Chandelier is more than just a lighting fixture—it’s a symbol of sophistication, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. When you choose the Cecilia, you’re not just renting a chandelier. You’re making a statement and setting the stage for unforgettable moments.

Visit our showroom or explore our online catalog to witness the captivating beauty of the Cecilia 8-Light Chandelier. Elevate your events with the magic of old Hollywood and let the Cecilia cast its radiant glow on your special occasions.

need uplighting my wedding

Do I need uplighting for my wedding?

Do I need uplighting? 

Short answer: no. The only thing you need are a ring and a marriage license. You probably don’t need uplighting. But if you’re having a party, you may want to look into how lighting can drastically affect your event space. Uplighting is one of the more popular wedding lighting options, and for good reason too. The proper placement of the fixtures can do wonders for your space. And just as importantly: your pictures. Pair that with the relative affordability vs other decor options and you begin to understand its popularity. Uplighting services are among the many lighting options available for your wedding. Find out how easy it is to work uplighting into your budget.

Need uplighting science museum of virginia
Powerful narrow-beamed uplighting project all the way up the columns of the Science Museum of Virginia, in Richmond, Va.

Choosing the right wedding lighting service.

While uplighting is a popular option, if you think it’s not the right service for your event, you may be right. If you’re having an outdoor event, look into bistro lighting. String lighting effects such as bistro lighting are great for lighting rustic and traditional weddings. Perhaps you don’t need lighting at all. With custom drape, there are thousands of possibilities. A well-placed drape backdrop looks fantastic behind a head table, or as a backdrop for pictures. 

Bistro lighting richmond virginia
Bistro lighting is ideal for outdoor events because of both its classic feel and it’s ability to cover large areas with light.

Your wedding

When it comes to your wedding, we know how tough it can be to manage your budget. Here’s an easy list to help you decide if you need uplighting for your wedding.

Amber uplighting commonwealth club wedding
Amber uplighting for a wedding at the Commonwealth Club, Richmond, Virginia.

You may need uplighting if…

  1. Your wedding is in an ugly venue. Couples pick venues for dozens of different reasons. Couples sometimes pick venues for sentimental reasons. Sometimes they pick them based completely on the location. Sometimes a venue has fantastic food, but just needs a face lift. Uplighting can do wonders for a bland slab of drywall or an unimpressive corner, tying it into the look of the rest of your party instead of sticking out.
  2. Your wedding is in a beautiful space. If you’re getting married in a remarkable old hotel, a modern gem or a building with some history, lighting will often highlight the beauty in an already impressive space. Architectural features like columns, windows, and ceilings can be lit for ambient effect. Materials like unfinished brick and plaster often look dynamic and beautiful when uplit. Like most things, if done wrong, uplighting can be tacky. If designed correctly, uplighting will take the look of your venue to the next level.
  3. Your wedding is in a familiar space. Increasingly more couples are using old barns, non-conventional event spaces, or just using their parents back yard for their weddings. This offers a new perspective on familiar items. This adds a flash of drama that is crucial in an otherwise ordinary space.
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A little uplighting and drape goes a long way in an otherwise ordinary room.
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Think big: Lighting and drape can completely change the look of your event space.

 

You probably don’t need uplighting if…

  1. You need to cut costs to the extreme. Not everyone can afford everything they want for their wedding, we completely understand. Things like silverware, entertainment, and furniture all need to be taken care of first and sometimes lighting doesn’t make the cut. That’s okay, uplighting isn’t a prerequisite to have a good time.
  2. Your venue provides. If your venue already provides uplighting, make sure they show it to you in action. Photographers often edit pictures to make dim lights appear to be brighter, so you’re going to want to see it with your own eyes. Venues can often provide uplighting packages included with your rental fee, just make sure they’re giving you the same thing a professional lighting company would.
  3. You have a daytime wedding. While professional lighting companies carry powerful uplighting, fighting against the sun can be futile. Bistro lighting (because of it’s classic look) and drape are far more effective for daytime events.
The Mill Fine Creek Uplighting Wedding Lighting
Sometimes daylight washes out uplighting, but other times it’s a fantastic accent. A designer can help you decide what’s best for your wedding.

Still unsure if you need uplighting or not? Reach out to one of our friendly designers to ask questions, or start planning for your perfect event…right now.

Event & Wedding Lighting at the John Marshall Ballrooms

Lighting the John Marshall Ballrooms

The beautiful historic ballrooms at the Hotel John Marshall are a Richmond, Virginia institution. They make for a very lovely venue for wedding ceremonies & receptions, corporate parties, and other special occasions. With two stunning ballrooms, a pre-function lobby space, bridal suites, and a hip-looking lounge, there’s plenty of room to fit most events. The Hotel John Marshall provides plenty of space for any event and the authentic look of the historic building brings a next-level amount of class not found elsewhere in Richmond.

As a selection for a venue, you can’t get much better than the John Marshall. However, as is the case with almost all venues, the ambiance can be improved dramatically simply by adding a few lighting features. Check out the details of the most popular services below.

Uplighting

An especially popular technique to use in this space is uplighting. Using LED lighting, you are able to set the mood using the colors of your choosing. In addition, uplighting has the power to make a large room feel intimate. Beyond that, choosing your uplighting colors can be fun! Try out our powerful Color Picker tool and explore the many different possibilities uplighting can provide.

Custom Gobo

Custom gobos are also relevant in the world of wedding lighting. They are a fantastic way to make your event personalized and memorable. Frequently, a monogram gobo is projected on to the curtain on stage. This location is desirable as the gobo is centered and presented in a way the entire room can see it. Gobos can also be aimed on the dance floor or even in the lobby so guests may see it as they enter.

Pin Spotting

If you are planning on spending a great deal of money on beautiful centerpieces, you don’t want to have them washed out by keeping the work lights on full in the ballroom, and you definitely don’t want them to be overlooked if the lights are a little dimmer. With pin spots, you are able to keep the lights at romantic level while having your magnificent centerpieces pop out of the background and create an eye catching effect. Consequently, pin spotting will allow your guests to admire the centerpieces all night and have them stand out in photos for years to come.

Bistro Lighting

Bistro lighting has the potential to have the biggest “wow” factor. When done correctly (and safely), bistro lighting creates an unparalleled experience. Working with the large ceilings and beautiful chandeliers, bistro lighting hanging from the balconies in the John Marshall produces a very intimate feel. Many popular Pinterest posts also feature bistro lighting.

Draping

The large space provided by the Virginia and Marshall ballrooms can sometimes feel massive. Custom drape features be can added to the space to reduce the expanse or transform the space. Furthermore, drape for weddings are completely customizable and many colors are available. Drape can have bunches and gathers, door arches, complement existing pieces, or create pieces of their own.

You can visit the website for The Historic John Marshall Ballrooms here. See the pictures from this post and many more in our galleries here.

6 LIES Your Wedding Vendors May Be Telling You

More than once a day we’ll hear a bride or groom mention something about one of our local wedding vendors that makes us scratch our heads. Since some of the things we’ve heard have been rather outrageous, we decided to compile a list of things you need to watch out for.

 

1.  Wedding Vendors who say specialization in events is vital.

Some wedding vendors may try to convince you that their services are superior because they only serve wedding clients. While you don’t want your caterer to be bringing in the lights, it isn’t unusual for production companies to serve different types of events. For the most part, the design concepts you’d see applied to lighting large corporate dinners are similar to ones used for weddings, just on a different scale.  Many production companies have different departments that handle various event styles. This allows them to deal with different client types on their own levels, while still having access to the same professional-grade equipment, resources and event partners.

Wedding Vendors Lighting

Design concepts are typically similar from one event type to another.

 

2. Vendors who claim offering a smaller number of services is better

Some companies will tell you that because they only offer a select number of services, their services are of higher quality than their competitors. This is like saying Google can only be good at email, search engines, navigation apps, OR self-driving cars; it just isn’t true.  Having a single production company with extensive resources to cover your lighting, AV, and drape needs makes life a lot simpler. Working with one vendor for all your related needs means one point of contact, one contract, and one vision. It also typically means lower cost to you through reduced delivery and labor charges.

 

3. Anytime someone tells you that you’re on a short clock to sign the contract

Many smaller companies can only handle one or two events at a time. Because of this, there is a possibility that they will book up during wedding season. Don’t let this pressure you into signing the contract to lock in your date.  You only have one chance to get it right, so make sure you take your time and select a vendor who puts your satisfaction first. Select a vendor that won’t rush you into signing a contract.

 

4. Lighting providers that claim Wireless LEDs are preferable for uplighting

Taken from 7 Things You Need To Know About Wedding Lighting

Some wedding vendors mislead brides and grooms into thinking wireless solutions are the only way to go. Be wary of companies that claim to only use battery powered LEDs and use phrases such as “no messy wires.” Any professional production company should be able to offer both solutions. Wireless LEDs are often required for areas that are impossible to get power to.  However, wired LEDs are far more powerful and brighter. Experienced lighting companies know how to hide all wires out of sight anyway, so make sure you go wireless for the right reasons!

Wired LED Wedding Vendors

Wired LEDs are far more powerful than their wireless counterparts.

 

5. Wedding Vendors that claim you always need an on-site technician

Some wedding services like catering or a band need on-site staff to provide the service. The same is true for some, but not all, wedding lighting services. However, if you have only ordered uplighting, this is considered a decor item. There is no need to have a technician watch over your wedding. Consider a production company that will provide a on-site tech at your request, but not force one on you by saying it is “included.”

 

6. Vendors that say an early setup costs more

If your event starts earlier, there may not be time to set up everything the same day. Hotels usually set all of the tables and place settings the evening before; lighting and decor can be done at the same time. This way, you can arrive and not worry about a set up crew rushing to finish. Some companies try to use an advance setup as a way to extract more money from a client.  Choose a company that will set up at a time that is convenient for you and does not impede other vendors or guests. Production companies should typically only charge for use day in these circumstances. 

 

Maddie and Tae Forth at the Fort

Fourth at the Fort 2017 – Concert Lighting, Sound, & Stage Support

We spent this Independence Day providing concert lighting & sound support for Fourth at the Fort. Fourth at the Fort is an annual concert event hosted at Fort Lee in Petersburg, VA. This year the event featured country artist’s Maddie & Tae, and a 20 minute fireworks show. Our event partners at Temp Power provided generators:  a 45KVa, and two 125KVa generators. Main Stage Productions provided the Stageline SL320 Mobile stage. Despite the morning heat, and heavy thunderstorms in the afternoon, our crew had no issues. The show went up and came down without a hitch.

 

Setup

Power

Our basic concert lighting rig is very efficient and operates on only a 45KVa three-phase generator. A separate 125KVa unit was used for sound, with another backup on an automatic transfer switch to ensure we would never lose power. Temp-Power provides highly reliable generators, so the transfer switch is mostly a formality to serve a special request by our client. 

 

Concert Lighting Generator

LSC Production Manager Jonathan Blake Coordinates with Temp-Power

The Rig

Concert Lighting Package

We brought out a full array of LEDs and a few Beam Movers. Our LED crowd blinders kept the crowd well lit at crucial moments in the show.  The simple rig consisted of 20 Chauvet Colorados, setup in what we call an “Eye-Candy” style. For moving lights, we utilized 8 Elation Platinum Beam 5Rs. On our down stage truss we had 8 ETC Source Four Lekos for face light, 16 IP65 Elation SixPAR 200 IPs for color. Rounding off this turn-key concert lighting rig were LED Elation CuePix WW4 blinders.

 

Concert Lighting Designing LED Lighting

LSC Lighting Designer Dylan Adams operates the lighting console for Maddie & Tae.

Concert Sound Package

For sound we utilized a flown Vertec Line Array. The main system consisted of 16 JBL Vertec 4889 boxes, and four JBL VRX932LA-1 tops for center fills. 16 JBL SRX 4719 subs provided the low end for the show. We brought out Venue SC48s for FOH and monitor mix.

 

Gallery

Concert Lighting Company, Concert Sound Company Maddie and Tae Forth at the Fort

Concert Lighting Company, Concert Sound Company Maddie and Tae Forth at the Fort

Concert Lighting Company, Concert Sound Company Maddie and Tae Forth at the Fort

Concert Lighting Company, Concert Sound Company Maddie and Tae Forth at the Fort

Concert Lighting Company, Concert Sound Company Maddie and Tae Forth at the Fort

Concert Lighting Company, Concert Sound Company Maddie and Tae Forth at the Fort

Concert Lighting Company, Concert Sound Company Maddie and Tae Forth at the Fort

Concert Lighting Company, Concert Sound Company Maddie and Tae Forth at the Fort

Concert Lighting Company, Concert Sound Company Maddie and Tae Forth at the Fort

 

Speaking Lighting

At The Lighting & Sound Co, we have provided event lighting and sound reinforcement for many years. Our start came from the concert and stage production world, which involves plenty of jargon and unique terms. Clients in that world typically have an idea of what their needs are and usually specify (often with a rider) exactly what equipment their production requires.

Weddings and special events, however, bring clients who have a vision but might be unfamiliar with the terms that describe what they want to see and hear.  It’s our job to explain the services we can provide that will accentuate and exemplify a vision that is given to us. We “speak lighting” and translate for our clients.

From Vision to Reality

Our design and sales team consults with clients every day who tell us where they are having an event, how many people are attending, and might share a picture that they saw and would like to replicate. We take this information and translate it into a complete event design, making it easy for our clients to have a perfect event. If the venue is a spot we haven’t worked at,  we’ll do a site survey to get measurements of a space, evaluate the feasibility of different lighting products, plan electrical usage and loading access, and find any limitations of the event site. Many times it is useful to meet the client on site to demo some lighting products or get a feel for what colors will look good in an event space. Of course, we also provide our clients with a virtual color picker, to choose colors in advance of an event.

There are thousands of different styles of lighting fixtures and ways to add light or leave an area dark, as may be required. We might “wash” a wall or ceiling with a single color, or, accent just the columns of a room with sleek, narrow uplighting. We can shoot a client’s logo as a”gobo” on a wall of drape or put narrow spots on the centerpieces of tables. If a large projector screen is needed right on the edge of a seating area, we’ll be sure to use a rear-projection screen so the image isn’t blocked by people walking in front of it.

Once we have an idea of a client’s vision, and have taken a look at the venue, we’ll offer lighting, sound, AV, and decor options that align with the theme of the event, look sleek and classy without having unsightly components, and, most importantly, provide for a safe event. A portfolio of lighting options is available to examine a selection of choices. The client selects the style they prefer and we set it up at the event. In the background, our technical teams are taking the equipment specified by the sales team and determining the safest and most efficient way to set it up. Very occasionally we’ll find that we need to add a component to safely do a job or provide the best experience for the client. If we lose money doing the job right but the client is happy, we are also happy.

How can we make your event perfect?

We specialize in delivering perfection, even with difficult or unusual requests. If you were told that a certain service couldn’t be done, give us a call. We imagine new ways to provide solutions that used to require significant expense or unsafe methods. Clients and venues often say to us, “Nobody ever did that here before!”

It pays to know people. If there’s a task we can’t handle, chances are we know someone who can. Our network of event partners spans numerous industries, hundreds of people, and multiple states.

Let us handle the complex or technical aspects of your event, so you can concentrate on other details. Tell us what you want to happen, and we’ll transform your vision into reality. Our promise is “Event Perfection” and we won’t stop until we achieve it.

UNLV Presidential Debates TV Lighting Politics

The Third Presidential Debate

The final debate of the 2016 United States presidential election debates sent the team at The Lighting & Sound Co to Las Vegas, Nevada, to set up stage lighting for TV interviews. The final presidential debate took place at the University of Nevada Las Vegas’s Thomas and Mack Center.  This arena holds nearly 17,000 people, and we saw close to that many lighting technicians, stagehands, and riggers working on setup for the debate in the days beforehand.

Detroit Sunrise

Sunrise from ~30,000 feet

Lighting the interview stage went very similar to the TV stage lighting we did for the Vice Presidential Debates in Farmville, VA. However, we needed to source as much of the equipment as possible locally in Las Vegas rather than shipping it from our home base in Richmond, VA.  Our friends at 4Wall Entertainment Lighting were great at helping us with this. Still, the Kino Flo Celeb TV stage lights required were unavailable in Las Vegas, so some came from 4Wall’s Los Angeles office, where they have plenty of film lighting gear, while we did send a pallet of equipment and stage lighting from Richmond VA as well.

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Again we used Kino Flo Celeb 400Q film lighting fixtures for key lighting, with ETC Source Four Lekos as fill lighting. Control was the Martin Professional Maxxyz software running on M-PC with M-Touch for physical control

 

 

PAR64 Lighting VCU basketball richmond hype video

VCU Men’s Basketball Promo Video

The VCU Men’s Basketball team recently filmed a promotional video that introduces the players before each game. V2 Content, a talented video production company based in Lincoln, Nebraska, brought us in to help with the lighting. The Lighting & Sound Co was on location at the Stuart C. Siegel Center, providing film lighting and making sure the players looked great.

render

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From render to reality, the VCU Basketball rig featured 36 1000W Par cans- that’s a lot of firepower!

 

We provided a giant wall of light using classic PAR64s in pre-rigged truss. With 36 individually controllable units adjacent to each other, it was easy to achieve many different patterns and effects. A handful of moving head profiles provided additional air light effects. Of course, the video wouldn’t have looked nearly as awesome without a fine haze to show the beams of light. Our favorite hazer, the Look Solutions Unique 2.1, filled the entire gym within a few minutes.

Lighting Designer Martin MPC VCU Basketball

LSC Lighting Designer Chris Hill pushes the rig to full for a dramatic shot.

This lighting required about 37,000 watts of electrical power, which is more the amount of power that your entire house needs. While that much power is available in the main Siegel Center arena, the shoot was taking place on the opposite end of the facility about 600 feet away. Running long feeder cable to get the power where it was needed wasn’t feasible, but fortunately our friends at Temp-Power provided a generator perfectly suited for the job that could be placed much closer.

Temp Power generator temporary vcu basketball rva richmond virginia

Temp Power delivers a 45 KVa generator to power the 36kw rig.

 

Gear list:

  • 36x PAR64 1000W NSP, on lamp bars
  • 3x Applied Electronics PRT Pre-Rig Truss
  • 48-ch ETC Sensor+ Touring Dimmer Rack
  • 6x Robe Robin Pointe beam/spot/wash moving head
  • Look Solutions Unique 2.1 Hazer
  • Martin M-PC Lighting Console with M-Touch
  • 45 KVa three-phase portable generator from Temp-Power

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VCU Basketball video richmond lighting RVA virginia PAR64

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Press Room VP Debates Longwood Gym

The Vice Presidential Debates

We joined the political madness for a week as we prepared to do some television lighting for a TV stage at the Vice Presidential debates in Farmville on Tuesday. We set up in Longwood University’s Health and Fitness Center, which is rated as one of the top 20 recreational centers at small colleges; at 74,683 gross square feet, it’s a pretty impressive space, topped off by a large rock climbing wall and LEED Gold certification. Longwood’s gym boasts of over 60 pieces of weight training and cardio equipment, but none of them were anywhere to be seen when we arrived. Instead, they had been replaced with a full media cafe, red carpets throughout, press boxes, stages, temporary power, communication rooms and Secret Service agents. 

Truss TV Stage Lighting Political Vice Presidential Debates

We headed out to Farmville, Virginia on Sunday to set up: Our TV stage was built on a 16′ x 16′ riser, and was an interview spot for before and after the debate. For events like these, every person on the crew needs to have Secret Service clearance, and has to have a number of credentials on them at all times.

Truss TV Stage Lighting Political Vice Presidential DebatesTruss TV Stage Lighting Political Vice Presidential Debates

We used Kino Flo Celeb 400s for front light, with Source Four Lekos as fill, and  Celeb 400Qs as back light. 
Truss TV Stage Lighting Political Vice Presidential Debates